When One Door Closes, Another One Opens—But Sometimes, You Have to Point the Universe in the Right Direction

When One Door Closes, Another One Opens—But Sometimes, You Have to Point the Universe in the Right Direction

A few weeks ago, I applied for a job at a Fortune 500 company, and I was genuinely excited. I’d never prepped so much for an interview, and while my anxiety showed up in waves, it also fueled me to bring my best self forward.

Yesterday, I received the email: "I regret to inform you that we have chosen to move forward with another candidate whose skills and experience more closely align with the specific needs of the position."

But here’s the twist—this time, I was excited to get that email. You’re probably thinking, "What in the H.E. Double Hockey Sticks is going on?"

Here’s why. Before I applied for this role, I intentionally created three different paths forward for myself. The first was a role that would help me grow my network and expand my coaching practice, much like Coco, where Miguel discovers that true growth comes from connecting with his roots and building relationships. In this role, I would have deepened my connections, leaning on a professional "family" to help me expand and develop new opportunities.

When the door to Path A closed, it felt right. It wouldn’t have challenged me enough, and I’m thankful that the universe saw that, even when I couldn’t.

The second path was the role from the email, something tied to my previous career trajectory. It reminded me of Onward, where the characters set off on a journey along a clear, mapped-out path. I knew where this role would take me—it was familiar and predictable—but like in the movie, I had to consider whether that familiar road was truly the one I wanted to travel, or if there was more out there for me.

As the door to Path B closed, I was a bit surprised at my reaction. Yes, I was disappointed, but I was also exhilarated. The interview process introduced me to some fantastic people, and I realized that this role would’ve been like slipping into a comfortable, familiar pair of jeans. Stability? Absolutely. But was I really challenging myself? Or just following a well-worn path? Like the movie, maybe I needed the universe to tell me to take another path.

The third path? That was all about fully committing to my coaching practice. It reminds me of Elemental, where the characters are torn between doing what they’re "supposed" to do and following what truly lights them up inside. Just like in the movie, I could have followed the comfortable, familiar path, but pursuing my passion in coaching felt like embracing who I really am—choosing to follow the spark that ignites me, even if it means stepping into the unknown.

And then there’s Path C—my passion. This path was all about committing 120% to my coaching practice, where I get to help people feel confident in their authentic selves and find balance in their lives. I am beyond excited that this path is now wide open for me.

Starting next week (after I responsibly finish my master’s project!), I’ll be dedicating myself fully to my coaching practice. Oh, and I’m also starting yoga certification, which I’m thrilled about!

Sometimes, life brings unexpected opportunities, or it might close a door when you least expect it. But what if you created multiple paths, explored new ways to grow, and left yourself open to whatever comes your way? Maybe it leads not to what you thought you wanted, but to something even better—something you love.